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| Bo Xilai [File Photo] |
Beijing: The Chinese parliament has expelled disgraced politician Bo
Xilai and stripped him of his legal immunity, clearing the way for his
prosecution, says China's official media.
Television channels reported that the Standing Committee of
the 11th National People's Congress announced the termination of Bo Xilai as an
NPC deputy.
Remarkably, BO has already been expelled from the communist
party following the news of the scandal that has seen Xilai’s wife convicted of
murder.
It has come after a month state media reported that he will
"face justice" for charges including abuse of power, taking bribes,
and improper sexual relations.
On Wednesday, a group of Chinese leftists signed a petition
urging parliament not to expel Bo, saying he could be exposed to an unfair and
politically motivated trial. The letter, signed by hundreds of academics and
former officials, was published on the far-left Red China website.
Once a rising star in Chinese politics, the divisive and
charismatic Bo is thought to still command the respect of many left-leaning
Chinese because of his calls for a Mao-era "red revival."
A Chinese court on Aug. 20 sentenced Bogu Kailai to death
with a two-year reprieve for murdering British citizen Neil Heywood.
Bo was accused of taking advantage of his position to seek
profits for others and received huge bribes personally or through his family.
His position was utilized by his wife to seek profits for
others, and the Bo family accepted a huge amount of money and property from
others.
He was also found to have violated organizational and
personnel disciplines and made erroneous decisions in certain promotion cases,
resulting in serious consequences.